Selective circuit controller



Aug. 30, 1955 F. ERNEST 2,715,576

SELECTIVE CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Filed March lO, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet l F1950 EEA/E57' BY Z4/vu] graex/ff/ Aug. 30, 1955 F. ERNEST 2,716,676

SELECTIVE CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Filed March lO, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 BY 25W lPatented Aug. 30, 1955 2,716,676 SELECTIVE CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Fred Ernest, Los Angeles, Calif. Application March 10, 1952, Serial No. 275,806 17 Claims. (Cl. 200-6) This invention relates to a circuit controller, and particularly to a manually operated circuit controller that is adapted to be mounted on a gear shift lever of an automobile.

It has become increasingly common to provide a selector for an automobile equipped with a customary overdrive, so that the overdrive may, if desired, be operated independently of the speed or other condition of operation of the vehicle. This is advisable for several reasons, such as gasoline economy, and greater control of the vehicle, providing at least two gear ratios without shifting gears, and the like.

lt is an object of this invention to provide a circuit controller that has a series of positions, such that an overdrive can be maintained in three essential positions, one corresponding to preventing the overdrive from being operable, another corresponding to the presence of the overdrive upon the existence of a condition, and yet another corresponding to continued operation of the overdrive independently of the existence of the condition normally controlling the overdrive. For this purpose, a three-position selector or circuit controller is provided.

lt is another object of this invention to provide a selector in the form of a double throw switch that is of sturdy construction whereby the device is stable for any selected position despite the existence of vibrations that may be transmitted to the device through its mounting.

lt is another object of this invention to provide a selector switch of this character in which the switching elements are free of metal to metal sliding contact, and in which the switch elements may yet be placed in secure contacting relation without any substantial effort.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a circuit controller of this character in which the operative switching elements are all anchored and secured, and one of the anchored elements having portions selectively subject to flexure whereby it may contract the other ele ments respectively.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a circuit controlling mechanism in which an operator is selectively positionable along different portions of a ilexf ible element between two anchoring points therefor, and in which the resilient character of the element normally restrains the operator against such movement.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a circuit controller of this character in which an operator is slidably movable along one switching element, thereby causing ilexure of the element to secure the desired controlling function.

lt is still another object of this invention to provide a circuit controller of this character that is readily accommodated on a standard gear shift operating lever.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a circuit controller of this character that is simple and compact, and that is easy to assemble and install.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a considerationI of one embodiment of the scription invention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. The form will now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed deis not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of this invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a plan View of a gear shift lever upon which a device incorporating this invention is installed;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional View taken along the plane indicated by line 2-2 of Fig. l;

Figs. 3 and 4 are sectional views taken along the planes indicated by lines 3*?, and 4-4 respectively of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig, 2, but taken along a plane 5 5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary View taken along the plane indicated by line 6 6 of Fig. 3;

Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are fragmentary side elevations illustrating the various positions of the operative switch element forming a part of this invention;

Fig. 10 is a perspective View of the operative switch element and its base; and

Fig. ll is a diagrammatic View illustrating how the present invention may form a part of an electric control circuit.

Referring to Fig. l1, there is illustrated a typical control circuit for a vehicle equipped with the usual over drive mechanisms. A selector switch generally indicated at 10 is illustrated and as having three operating positions. The upper contacting position corresponds to the ordinary governor controlled overdrive connection; the lower contacting position corresponds to overdrive operation for all gear ratios independent of the governor; and the intermediate position illustrated corresponds to operation without the overdrive irrespective of actual operating conditions. The details of such circuit are well known, and since the present invention is confined merely to the switch itself, no further discussion of the circuit will be made.

The improved switching device comprises in essence an electrical conducting element 11 generally of annular form (see Fig. 10). This conducting element 11 may correspond electrically to a diagrammatically illustrated switch arm 12 of Fig. ll.

The conducting element 11 is secured to an insulation annular base 13 by the aid of a pair of conducting grommets or hollow sleeves 14 and 15 extending through the strip 11 and the base 13 respectively. These sleeves are preferably made of thin brass, to permit upsetting of the ends for holding the parts together. The sleeves 14 and 15' are disposed diametrically across the annular element 11. Insulation spacers 16 and 17 (Fig. 2) may be interposed between the strip 11 and the base 13 around the grommets 14 and 15 in order normally to space the strip 11 from the base 13. Metal washers 40 and 41 may be provided between the grommets 14 and 15 on the other side of the base 13.

As shown in Fig. 10, the annular strip 11 is generally of plane configuration except for a pair of channels or recesses 18 and 19 offset on diametrically opposite sides of the strip 11, and symmetrically spaced with respect to sleeves 14 and 15. The channels 18 and 19 have bottom edges 18a and 19a contacting, but not otherwise secured to the base 13. The channels and grommets divide the strip 11 into four quadrants or arcs 11a, 11b, 11C, and 11d. Each arc is generally of bowed configuration in a transverse plane (Fig. 7) between an edge of a channel and a grommet. Thus, adjacent quadrants 11b and 11a` between the grommets 14 and 15 on one side form interconnected bows, the edge 18a being common to both. Similarly, quadrants 11a and 11d between the grommets on the other side form interconnected bows with the edge 19a common to both.

Distortion of exing of one of the adjacent arcs such as 11e, for instance, is accompanied by a greater flexing in the other adjacent bowed quadrant 11b. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 9, an insulation lug or bar 2i) engages the quadrant 11e, causing a flexing thereof toward base 13, and a corresponding movement of the edge 18a. The quadrant or arc 11b, upon movement of the edge 18a, is caused to arch or flex away from base 13 to an extent greater than that illustrated in Fig. 7.

The lug 20 is designed to be selectively engageable with either arc 11C or 11b. ln Fig. 8, the lug or bar 20 is illustrated as engaging arc 11b, causing a flexing thereof toward the base 13, and producing an arching or flexing of arc 11C away from the base 13to an extent even greater than the normal unflexed position of Fig. 7.

Accordingly, proper selective positioning of the bar or lug 20 causes the conducting element 13 to engage contact 21, or move away therefrom.

A contact 22, disposed on the opposite side of grommet 15 as is the contact 21, cooperates with the element 13 adjacent the quadrant 11d. lt can be selectively engaged by the strip 13 by a lug or oar 28 similar to that described in connection with contact 21. The lug 28 is designed to cooperate with arc 11d to cause engagement of the element 13 with contact 22 when the lug 20 is so located as to cause the element 13 to move away from contact 21, and to cause element 13 to move away from contact 22 when the lug is so located as to cause the element 13 to move into engagement with contact 21. Accordingly, this structure can be made to perform the function .of a double throw switch wherein element 13 is selectively engageable either with contact 21 or Contact 22. The contacts 21 and 22 correspond to those similarly designated in Fig. 11.

In order that the lugs 20 and 28 cooperate with the proper portions of the element 13 so that the above function can be achieved, they are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of a unitary operating member 27. This operating member 27 is rotatably supported with respect to the element 13 in a manner to be hereinafter described.

The switch elements are mounted on a customary gear shift lever 23 in place of the customary operating knob. Accordingly, the switch is readily accessible for manipulation.

A coupling member 24 forms the base for the entire structure. lt is interiorly threaded (Figs. 2 and 5 in order to be accommodated on the usual stem forming a part of the gear shift lever 23. A collet 25 carried by this member 24 mounts housing members 26 and 39 for the parts, as well as the operating member 27.

The member 24 has a cylindrical periphery detachably engaged by the collet 25. This collet has an external conical surface, and internal cylindrical surface telescoping over the coupling member 24. The collet 25 is provided with four equiangularly spaced slots 25f (see Fig. 3) to make it possible to flex the collet 25 into frictional contact with member 24. Thus these slots provide an interrupted frusto-conical periphery 25a. The collet 25, as well as the coupling member 24 may be made from electrical conducting material, such as a Zinc die casting.

The rst housing member 26 has a tubular shank that encompasses the collet 25. This member 26 may be of conducting material, similar to that of collect 25. The housing member 26 has a return ange 26a, defining with the shank an annular space. An internal cylindrical surface 26h is formed by the flange 26a at one end of the space for closely accommodating the circuit controller base 13. Reinforcing radial ribs 26e extending radially in the annular space provide a backing for the base 13 (Fig. 6). The base 13 is provided with a central aperture 13a circumscribing the tubular shank of the housing member 26 when the base 13 is properly positioned.

The contact 22 may be an integral part of the housing member 26, and thereby form a ground connection. The contact is illustrated in Fig. 6 as projecting from one radial rib 26e of the housing 26. The contact 21 projects through an aperture 13b of the base 13 as the base is positioned about the housing 26. By the aid of such construction, the base 13 and the contacting strip 11 are properly held against angular movement on the housing 26.

The contact 21 may be a grommet or hollow sleeve permanently secured to the base 13 between washers 42 and 43 on opposite sides of the base (Figs. 7, 8, and 9). A lead wire (not shown) may suitably connect with the contact 21, such as by being accommodated within the grommet.

The rotatable operating member 27 in the form of a ring, which may also be of a cast electrical conducting material, is mounted on the housing member 26. It is generally of channel shaped section, the open portion of the channel being directed toward the contacting strip 11. This operating member is rotatably mounted on an exteriar cylindrical surface formed on housing member 26. The operating member may conveniently carry the lug or bar 20 of insulation material in a recess in one of its radial reinforcing ribs (see Figs. 3 and 5). Another similar lug or bar 28 may also be carried by the operating member 27 in a manner similar to that provided for the bar 20. The outer periphery of the member 27 may be formed with gripping projections 27a.

The collet 25 at its right-hand end forms a hub having diametrically opposite tlat surfaces 25b and 25e, to form a non-circular periphery. The housing member 26 has similarly formed right-hand sleeve portion having flat surfaces accommodated over surfaces 25b and 25C to prevent relative rotation of the collet 25 and the housing.

An end housing member 39 is telescoped over the righthand end of the housing member 26, the end housing 39 also having a non-circular periphery corresponding to the portions 26C and 26d and cooperating therewith. A shoulder 39a of the end housing 39 abuts the end of the housing 26.

A machine screw 29 extends axially through the end housing member 39 and engages interior threads of the e collet 25. Tightening of this screw 29 draws the shoulder 39a into engagement with the housing 26, and furthermore urges the tubular portion of the housing 26 into wedging relation with the collet. The housing structure is thereby made secure on the gear shift lever 23.

The lead 3) illustrated in Fig. 2 for the strip 11 is accommodated in the hollow interior of one of the grommets 15 in electrical conducting relationship thereto. The grommet is in electrical conducting relationship with the strip 11.

The operating member 27 mounts the bars or lugs 2t) and 2S at diametrically opposite portions (see Fig. 3). These lugs project beyond the main body portions of the strip 11, as shown in Figs. 7, 8, and 9. However, upon alignment of the lugs 2t) and 28 with the channels or recesses 18 and 19 (see Figs. 3 and 5), the strip 11 is unstressed, and all the quadrants are equally bowed. Such a position is illustrated by Fig. 7. In this position, the contacts 21 and 22 are not engaged. This may correspond to the central position of the switch arm illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 11. Approximate legends 35, 3-5, 37 (Fig. 1) may be carried on the outer periphery of operator 27 to indicate the position of the switch in cooperation with an index 38 or housing 27.

However, upon rotation of the operating ring 27 in either direction, the lugs 20 and 28 move from the channels 18 and 19 in which they were accommodated. Thus, if the ring be moved in the direction of the arrow 31 in Fig. 3, lugs 20 and 28 will cause the corresponding quadrants 11b and 11d to be flexed' inwardly. Accordingly, contact 22 is engaged by the quadrant 11d but the quadrant 11C associated with contact 21 moves away from the contact, since it is, by virtue of the common freely movable terminus, bowed in the opposite direction than is the adjacent quadrant 11b, as illustrated in Fig. 8. Accordingly, for movement of the ring 27 in the direct-ion of the arrow 31, strip 11 moves away from contact 21 but engages contact 22.

if the ring 27 is moved in the direction of the arrow 12, the opposite result isachieved. Thus, exure of quadrant 11C causes engagement therewith of the contact 21, as illustrated in Fig. 9, while the quadrant 11d moves away from contact 22.

As shown most clearly in Figs. 2 and 4, the operator 27 carries a projection 33 accommodated in the end housing member 39, and between reinforcing ribs 34 thereof. These ribs cooperate with the projection 33 for limiting the angular movement of the ring.

Base ring 13 is restrained from moving axially toward the left by the edges of ribs 26e of housing 26. lt is restrained from moving axially to the right by the pressure of the bars and 28 on the resilient contact ring 11 Accordingly, for any position of the circuit controller, the parts are yieldingly held in place. Thus, if the lugs 2@ and 23 are within the channels 18 and 19, vibrations cannot cause relative rotation, since the sides of the channels confine the lugs and the ring 27 mounting them. Should the lugs be in any other position, the strip il exerts a resilient force providing frictional engagement with the lugs, thereby preventing undesired accidental rotation. The circuit controller is thereby maintained stable for any position thereof. The resilient force exerted by the strip 11 on the lugs may be easily overcome by intentionally manipulating the operating ring 27. The contact 22 prevents angular movement of the base 13 upon movement of the ring 27.

By virtue of the present arrangement, no metal to metal sliding movement is present in operating the controller. The lugs 20 and 28 that slide upon the strip Ji may be made of plastic material, or the like.

Proper insulation of the circuit controller is achieved, the element 1I contacting only insulation base member i3 and insulation lugs 20 and 28. The contact 21 carried by the base 13 is displaced from any flange 26a of the housing 26.

Referring to Fig. l0, it is apparent that only slight variations would be necessary in order that a double pole double throw switch be provided. Thus, the strip El could be made of two parts wherein quadrants 11a and 11d are insulated from quadrants 11b and 11e. Contacts could then be placed in association with the quadrants 11b and 11d. Operation as a double pole double throw switch would then be possible by exactly the same manipulation as has been heretofore described.

Although the device is a circuit controller, it in no way interferes with its use for moving the gear shift lever 23 in place of the customary operating knob.

The inventor claims:

l. In a circuit controller: a resilient Contact arm; means anchoring the arm at one portion therealong; a contact member cooperating with the arm at another portion remote from said anchored portion; said arm having an intermediate offset portion; means against which said oiiset portion may rest; and an operator movable to depress the arm on either side of the offset portion for causing said remote portion of the arm to flex correspondingly in either direction about the offset portion.

2. In a circuit controller: a resilient contact arm; means anchoring the arm at one portion therealong; a contact member cooperating with the arm at another portion remote from said anchored portion; said arm having an intermediate offset portion; means against which said offset portion may rest; and an operator movable along the arm and adapted to rest in said oti- 6 set portion, said operator when out of engagement with said offset portion depressing the arm on either side of said offset portion for causing said remote portion of the arm to flex correspondingly in either direction about the offset portion.

3. In a circuit controller: a resilient contact arm; means anchoring the arm at two places on said arm displaced longitudinally thereof; said arm having an intermediate' portion offset from the remainder of the arm; means against which said offset portion may rest; a contact member cooperating with the arm between the offset portion and one of said anchoring means; and a selectively positionable operator for depressing the arm on either side of the offset portion and for causing the other side to flex in the opposite direction.

4. In a circuit controller: a base; a conducting strip; means securing said strip to said base between longitudinally spaced portions of said strip; said strip having means forming an intermediate edge depending from one surface of said strip and contacting said base, said strip otherwise being spaced from said base; a contact member on one side of said edge and normally spaced from said strip; and selectively positionable means for depressing said strip on either side of said edge, thereby causing opposite llexure of said strip on the other side of said edge for selectively causing engagement between said Contact member and said strip.

5. In a circuit controller: a base; a conducting strip; means securing said strip to said base between longitudinally spaced portions of said strip; said strip having means forming an offset portion contacting said base and dividing said strip into two normally bowed adjoining segments; a contact normally spaced from one of the segments; and means selectively engageable with either of the segments for moving said one segment toward or away from said contact.

6. in a circuit controller: a base; a conducting strip; means securing said strip to said base between longitudinally spaced portions of said strip; said strip having means forming an offset portion contacting said base and dividing said strip into two normally bowed adjoining segments; a Contact normally spaced from one of the segments; and means for moving said offset portion along said base toward either of said securing means selectiveiy to cause opposite exnre of said one segment for engagement and disengagement of Said one segment and the contact.

7. In a circuit controller: a base; a conducting strip; means securing said strip to said base between longitudinally spaced portions of said strip; said strip having means forming an offset portion contacting said base and dividing said strip into two normally bowed adjoining segments; a contact normally spaced from one of the Segments; and a strip engaging member slidably movable on said strip, said member when out of alignment with said offset portion on either side thereof causing opposite flexure of said strip segments for corresponding engagement and disengagement of said one segment and said contact.

S. In a circuit controller: a base; a conducting strip of continuous annular configuration; means securing said strip to said base at diamerrically opposite portions of said strip; said strip having means forming edges depending from one surface of said strip on diametrically oppol site portions intermediate said securing means, cach edge dividing said strip between Said securing means into a pair of normally bowed adjoining segments; contacts associated with the strip and normally spaced therefrom, said contacts cooperating with different segments of said strip; and means selectively engageabie with one of said adjoining segments for oppositely exing adjacent segments.

9. In a circuit controller: a base; a conducting strip of continuous annular conliguration; means securing said strip to said base at diametrically opposite portions of said strip, said securing means dividing said strip into two elements; said strip having for each element a base contacting edge intermediate said elements respectively, each of said edges dividing the elements respectively into a pair of normally bowed adjoining segments; a iirst contact normally spaced from one of the segments of one of said elements; a second contact normally spaced from that segment of the other of said elei ents adjacent said one segment of said one element; a pair of strip contacting members; m i.) mounting said members lor angular adjustment abouL the axis of strip, said members being diametrically opp disposed, and selectively engageable respectively' v.

:th one or the other of said adjoining segments ot said elements respectively for oppositely tiexing said adjacent segments respectively.

l0. ln a circuit controller: an iuiar electrical conducting strip: support thi jor; ans securing said strip at diametrically opposite poruons thereof to said support, and dividing said portions; said strip having each portion bent edges forming recesses7 said being disposed diametrically oppositely from each other, the bottom of said recesses being offset f" tacting said support; an operator having projections eX- tending into said recesses res Jtiveljf, said operator upon rotation being movable out of said recesses, and causing flexure of said strip thereupon according to angular movement from said recesses in one angular direction or the other; and Contact members cooper-able .l said strip.

1l. In a Circuit controller: an annular housing structure having a shank and a flange returning on said shank to form an annular space; an insulation base in said annular space; an electrical conducting strip carried by the base; a contact carried by the base; an operator member for said circuit controller accommodated on said shank adjoining said space, said operator being mounted on said shank for angular adjustment thereon; an insulation element contacting said strip at a place dependent upon the angular position of said operator for causing engagement or disengagement of said contact with said strip; and a housing closure member telescopingly received on said shank, said shank and said closure member having cooperating surfaces of non-circular form for preventing relative movement between said housing structure and housing closure member.

12. ln a circuit controller: an annular housing structure having a shank and a flange returning on said shank to form an annular space; an insulation base in said annular space; an electrical conducting strip carried by the base; a Contact carried by the base; an operator member for said circuit controller accommodated on said shank adjoining said space, said operator being mounted on said shank for angular adjustment thereon; an insulation element contacting said strip at place dependent upon the angular position of said operator for causing engagement or disengagement of said Contact `with said strip; a housing closure member telescopingly received on said shank, said shank and said closure member having cooperating surfaces of non-circular form for preventing relative movement between said housing structure and housing closure member; said closure member having a shoulder engageable with the end of said shank; and a projection carried by one of said members received in the other of said members for limiting relative angular adjustment of said operator member with respect to said housing structure.

13. ln a device of the character described: an annular housing structure having a shank and a liange returning into two semi-circular recesses nom said strip and repectively conon said shank to form an open annular space; said housing structure being made from electrical conducting material; an insulation base accommodated on said shank in said space; said housing structure having an integral projection extending through said base and forming a contact; an electrical conducting strip of annular configuration secured to said base and normally spaced from said contact; an insulation member engageable with said strip for llexing said strip; and means carried by said shank and mounting said insulation member for limited angular' adjustment about said strip for selectively causing engagement of said strip with said contact.

14. In a device of the character described: an annular housing structure having a shank and a liange returning on said shank to form an open annular space; an insulation base accommodated on said shank in said space; a flexible electrical conducting strip of annular conguration secured to said base and having a portion normally spaced from said base; one or more contact members associated with said base; an insulation member engageable with a portion of said strip for iiexing said strip; and means mounting said insulation member for limited angular adjustment about said strip for selectively tlexing different portions of said strip.

15. In a circuit controller: a flexibly resilient annular conductor; an annular base of insulation for supporting said conductor; a pair of housing members, one of which has a shoulder restraining movement of the base; and an operating member mounted for rotation about the axis of the conductor and provided with means for ilexing the conductor upon angular movement of the operating member; the other of said housing members having an edge to define a space for mounting the operating member.

16. ln a circuit controller: a collet member having a portion capable of inward llexure for attaching the member; a pair of housing members mounted on the collet member, one of said housing members having a surface cooperating with the exterior surface of the collet member to urge said portion inwardly; a flexible conducting arm mounted in said housing member; and an operator for the arm mounted on the said one of the housing members and having an exterior manipulating periphery; the other housing member restraining said operating member from movement axially of the collet member.

17. In a device of the character described: a base having a central aperture; an arcuate conducting strip; means securing said strip at two angularly spaced areas of the strip; said strip having an offset portion between the secured portions and dividing the strip into two segments; a

' housing having a generally cylindrical portion extending through said base aperture, said housing also having a llange delining a limiting longitudinal position of said base; a contact normally spaced from one of said segments; an operator journaled on the housing; and a projection carried by the operator selectively engageable with either of the segments for oppositely flexing said segments about said offset portion for engaging and disengaging said Contact.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNlTED STATES PATENTS 

